COUNCILLORS in Carmarthenshire have voiced their concerns over changes to services at Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital, with a notice of motion which declares that members ‘deplore’ the decision by the Welsh Health Minister.
Speaking during an emotionally-charged debate at Full Council on Wednesday, members voted on an amended notice of motion put forward by Deputy Leader Cllr Tegwen Devichand.
The notice reads: “Carmarthenshire County Council deplores the decision to replace the level two A&E at Prince Philip Hospital with a nurse practitioner-led and GP-supported provision.
“We will continue to lobby the Minister and the Health Board to review this decision to reduce resources and services at the hospital, and call for the level two A&E services to be preserved in its current configuration and where appropriate, enhanced.
“We would further request from the Health Minister, a statement detailing the services available at our hospitals.”
Members of all political parties voiced their concerns during an hour-long debate, with many, however, agreeing that those best placed to make decisions about the hospital’s future are those with expertise in managing health services.
Others spoke of their concerns that the change in services at Prince Philip will place extra burden on Glangwili and Morriston hospitals, as well as the Welsh Ambulance Service.
Leader, Cllr Kevin Madge, said: “I believe that the only way forward is to get the Health Minister down, and we will then negotiate and carry on the fight. We will continue making representations to the Ministers. At the end of the day, we have got to ensure that our services are safe.”
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